His dream was to run the Boston Marathon and he qualified twice. But three years ago, John Spagnoli was hit and killed by a truck in Hamilton. Next week, his running shirt will cross that finish line in Boston thanks to a family friend who is running.

Picking up the hobby at the age of 61 and keeping it up until he died when he was 80.

Family friend Lee Halliwell has been training to run the Boston Marathon for the first time and on Monday, he will wear John Spagnoli’s running shirt when he crosses the finish line.

The son of Spagnoli, Tony says, “That was a race that was on my dad’s bucket list and it was a very important race for me and what Lee is doing for my family, for my mom and I we will be indebted forever.”

Lee Halliwell says, “Tony’s father was a very legendary person in the running community. To carry his legacy its amazing for me and it just gives me that extra drive to make it to the finish line.”

John qualified twice himself. “When he qualified for the Boston Marathon the first time we found out he had prostate cancer” says Tony. “Two years later he qualified again and one of his kidneys shut down and he had to have his kidney removed. He never had that chance so Lee is giving him that chance now.”

John Spagnoli was out for a walk with his wife when he was hit by a truck while crossing at King St. East and Parkdale Avenue.

“A truck turning left didn’t see my dad and hit him and my mom got hit as well but she survived but my dad didn’t.” says Tony.

Halliwell has been training for the last 5 years to qualify for this prestigious race and says it will be an emotional day for everyone.

Lee says, “I am on a mission I will get my medal and Tony’s dad’s shirt is coming through with me.”

Halliwell says he’s had amazing support from a number of friends who are paying for him to get to Boston.